Town Manager Mike Walsh recently updated the board of selectmen and the IWWC of the Town of Granby’s position in opposition to the Key Capture Energy project.
In July, Key Capture Energy (KCE) informed the town of its intent to locate a battery energy storage system (BESS) at 100 Salmon Brook Street. This project is separate from the Broadleaf solar project that is still in the planning stages.
The Connecticut Siting Council has jurisdiction for approval of the project, and when KCE filed a petition for a declaratory ruling in July, the council scheduled an online public hearing for Nov. 19. The Town of Granby and the board of selectmen hired legal counsel to represent Granby’s interests.
KCE presented its case and outlined its interactions with Lost Acres Fire Department. Atty. Decresendo presented the Town of Granby’s opposition to the project and asked KCE for clarification on certain issues.
Granby’s issues with the proposal include “thermal runaway,” which is a fire unique to lithium-ion batteries; concern about high-voltage lines crossing over the underlying aquifer, and access-site restrictions that would hinder safe ingress and egress for first responders and citizens in the event of emergency.
The Nov. 19 hearing convened at 2 p.m. with KCE presenting first and Granby following. At 5:15 p.m., before Granby completed its testimony, the hearing was suspended and will reconvene online at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 10 to hear Granby’s full testimony and that of its professional representatives: Mark Gottlieb, an environmental consultant; John Oates; and Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agent Kate Bednaz.
The community was invited to address the council directly at 6:30 p.m. This session was attended by 54 people. Twelve had signed up to address the council and were allotted three minutes to speak. Of the six who addressed the council, five were opposed to the project. First Selectman Mark Fiorentino stated to the siting council, “This is not a good site, and another site should be selected.”
The Nov. 19 hearing, in its entirety, can be accessed at: portal.ct.gov/csc/4_csc_calendarofevents/csc-calendar-of-events
Compiled by Drummer staff